Twenty four Tirthankars are born in every
Utsarpini phase and the Avasarpini phase. They, by means of their
endeavor, become absolutely enlightened; they become devoid of
attachments; they become Jinas; and for the spiritual welfare of
all creatures in the Universe, they establish and expound the
philosophy. Because they establish the philosophy, they are
called Tirthankars. One definition of tirth is Sangha or society,
Chauvanno Sangho tittham. This four-fold society of Sadhus,
Sadhvis, Shravaks and Shravikas is together called tirtha.